Keairez Coleman is part of the McNair Scholars Program, which aims to increase the number of graduate students from underrepresented groups. (Photo/Hannah Benet)

USC works to increase diversity in physical therapy field

In some ways, Keairez Coleman is a pioneer, blazing what could become a well-worn trail between USC and a Southern university.

The visiting scholar from Xavier University of Louisiana, a historically black college in New Orleans, is working this summer at USC’s Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy as part of the McNair Scholars Program, a government initiative that aims to increase the number of graduate students from traditionally underrepresented populations. But Coleman’s visit represents a prototype for a program the division aims to begin to better diversify its student body.